A biweekly newsletter of the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative

Registration for the
3rd California Adaptation Forum, taking place August 27-29, in Sacramento is now open! The Forum will gather a multidisciplinary audience of over 700 climate leaders to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to transition California communities from adaptation awareness to planning and action. We hope that you will join us!

News

New Green City initiatives bring more electric vehicle car share to Sacramento

Electrify America and the City of Sacramento announced new Green City projects that will increase electric vehicle (EV) access for low-income communities, through two new EV car share programs, one of which will feature 260 free-floating vehicles, and the other will be based at 71 multi-family properties. In addition, zero-emissions shuttle buses will connect Davis to Sacramento and serve the Franklin Boulevard corridor in South Sacramento. (
Link)

When you can't find shelter from the heat: Homelessness and climate change

Photo: Ann Johansson/Corbis via Getty
Images

Not only is it getting hotter, but 2017 also marked the first time that homelessness increased in the US in almost a decade, rising 9 percent from 2016. If these trends continue, exacerbated by social vulnerability, it will be a recipe for a health disaster. A disproportionate number of people experiencing homelessness are expected to live in major cities and in warm climates; California and Florida account for 53 percent of all unsheltered homelessness. Data from Maricopa County, Arizona, showed that heat-related deaths among the homeless population more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, from 13 to 33 percent. Addressing social problems like homelessness may have more direct benefits than urban greening. (
Link)

The uneven gains of energy efficiency

Photo: Michael Isaac Stein

Low-income Americans are likely to live in significantly less inefficient housing, which saddles them with disproportionately high energy costs. As a result, they not only spend more of their income on utility bills but also pay more per square foot to heat or cool their homes. Utility bills are the primary reason why people resort to payday loans, and play an outsized role in the perpetuation of poverty. Living in inefficient homes also puts occupants at a higher risk of health issues. Studies say 97 percent of the excess energy burdens for renting households could be eliminated by bringing their homes up to median efficiency standards, and that the value of energy upgrades is at least 2.2 times their cost. (
City Lab)

Warming climate to nearly double demand for cooling appliances

Photo: Kin Cheung/AP

A burgeoning middle class and a warming world will result in energy demand for cooling overtaking that for heating by the middle of the century. Energy use for air conditioning, refrigeration and other cooling appliances will jump 90% on 2017 levels, experts estimated, posing a challenge for energy grids and efforts to curb climate change. The biggest energy demand for cooling comes from air conditioning, but it is also essential for stopping food from going to waste and protecting medicines. To meet the growth in cooling without pushing up emissions would take almost all the new solar power expected to be installed by mid-century. (
Guardian)

Your future home could be powered by your car

Photo: Nissan Motor

Utilities and automakers want to use the batteries inside electric cars as storage for the entire public power grid. The "vehicle-to-grid" concept will have millions of drivers become mini electricity traders, charging up when rates are cheap and pumping energy back into the grid during peak hours or when the sun isn't shining. If it works, renewable energy could get much cheaper and more widely used. For most drivers, whose cars sit idle 90 percent of the time, sharing their batteries would make good use of a very under-utilized resource. Challenges include the need for new computer networks, driver behavior, and new collaborations. (
Bloomberg)

Heart attacks often follow dramatic changes in outdoor temperature

Large day-to-day swings in temperature were associated with significantly more heart attacks, according to a new study, suggesting that climate change could lead to an increase in the occurrence of heart attacks. The risk of a heart attack increased by 5 percent for every 5 C (9 F) jump in temperature differential, with greater risk increases for fluctuations over 25 C (45 F). Sudden temperature swings had a greater impact on heart attack risk on warmer days. (
Link)

Water clarity in Lake Tahoe reaches record low

Historic drought followed by record-breaking precipitation and warm lake temperatures converged to produce the lowest annual average clarity levels recorded at Lake Tahoe in 2017. The average annual clarity level for 2017 was 59.7 feet - a 9.5-foot decrease from the previous year, surpassing the previous lowest value of 64.1 feet in 1997. Summer temperatures in 2017 were the warmest on record at Lake Tahoe, almost 3 F higher than in the previous three years. (
Link)

Go green for healthier, happier, richer cities

Photo: REUTERS/Jason Reed

Green infrastructure - from more cycle lanes to cleaner air - not only helps the environment but also boosts jobs, health and productivity, according to research. Spending money on improved public transport could create up to 23 million extra jobs each year. By turning new and existing buildings into energy-efficient spaces, cities can generate a further 16 million jobs. Investing in cycling routes was also worth between $35 and $136 billion a year in public health benefits. (
Link)

Cool roofs can help save water too

Photo: Duro-Last

Cool roofs can help cities lower their average temperatures by 3 to 4 degrees, which can help cities like San Francisco save 4.1 to 7.3 percent of per capita daily water use for landscaping like lawns or home gardens. This is because cool roofs help to reduce the urban heat island effect, which helps to reduce water demand from lawns and landscaping. (
Link)

Tools and Resources

Free Resource & Energy Business Evaluation Program to assist local businesses

The City of Chula Vista passed an ordinance establishing the FREE Resource & Energy Business Evaluation (FREBE) Program to assist local businesses in improving energy and water efficiency. The measure requires commercial and industrial businesses to receive free energy and water evaluations of their premises at the time of initial business license issuance and every 3 - 5 years thereafter as part of the business license renewal process. The FREBE program helps businesses identify energy efficiency and water efficiency opportunities and, at the discretion of the business, take advantage of rebate, incentive, and financing programs to make facility improvements. (
Link)

The California Energy Commission (CEC) released its
California Clean Energy Equity Framework and Indicators draft staff report in May. This report presents an approach for tracking progress of energy efficiency and renewables for low-income customers and small business contracting opportunities in disadvantaged communities. Learn more about CEC's efforts to address barriers to clean energy for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities. (
CEC)

Upcoming Opportunities

SACOG launches $11.76 million Green Region program

The Green Region program is aimed at helping our region's transportation system emit fewer emissions while continuing to function effectively and efficiently. The program focuses on five groups of projects: personal vehicles, shared rides and vehicles, public and private microtransit and shuttles, medium and heavy duty fleets, and disadvantaged communities. Deadline: August 24, 4pm. In addition, the Transportation Demand Management Innovations Grant and Traditional Grant program has $750,000 and $250,000, respectively, available (
Link)

Open for review: City of Sacramento Curbside EV Charging Pilot Program

The City of Sacramento is working to remove barriers to electric vehicle (EV) access and encourage residents to drive EVs. With a high concentration of employees and multi-family housing in downtown, allowing on-street EV charging "curbside" in the public right-of-way can support a more diverse array of EV drivers. The Department of Public Works released draft policy guidance for the Curbside EV Charging Pilot Program. (
Link)

Apply to be a CivicSpark Fellow today!

CivicSpark is Recruiting for Fellows for 2018-19! Over the past 3 years, CivicSpark, the Local Government Commission's Governor's Initiative AmeriCorps program, has provided 230,000+ hours of climate and water capacity-building support to over 140 public agencies. This coming year, the program is offering three thematic tracks: Climate (50 fellows), Water (20 fellows), and a new Opportunity Access track (20 fellows) that will focus on affordable housing, alternative transportation, and rural broadband. (
Learn more and apply)

Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Mini Grant Program

SACOG will award mini-grants of up to $3,000 per project in support of small events and non-infrastructure programs or projects that encourage biking, walking, riding transit, carpooling, vanpooling and teleworking, as options for reducing car trips and vehicles miles traveled. Projects that focus on testing a new strategy or tactic for changing travel behavior will be prioritized. Applications considered on a rolling basis until $30,000 has been awarded for each of two application phases. The first phase will run from January 16 through June 30, 2018. The second phase will open July 15 through December 31, 2018. (
Link)

BIA Resilience Funding Opportunity for Tribes

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) seeks proposals from federally recognized tribes to receive grants of up to $150,000 that support resilience and ocean and coastal management and planning. This program supports tribes preparing for extreme events and harmful environmental trends that impact tribal treaty and trust resources, economies, infrastructure, and human health and safety. Deadline: July 2. (
Link)

BIA Resilience Funding Opportunity for Tribal Organizations

This Bureau of Indian Affairs grant is similar to the one above, but applicants will be tribal not-for-profit and tribal non-governmental organizations and associations. Deadline: July 12. (
Link)

SACOG: 2018 Regional Funding Program

Combining previous Regional/Local and Bicycle & Pedestrian funding programs, SACOG's 2018 Regional Program will fund cost-effective transportation projects that realize the performance benefits of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS). The program seeks to promote effective and efficient use of limited state and federal funding resources to both develop and maintain the regional transportation network and provide regional benefits. This is accomplished through the funding of capital and lump-sum category projects included in the 2016 MTP/SCS. Deadline: 4pm, July 19, 2018. (
Link)

Partners for Places Grant Program

The Partners for Places Grant Program has released the RFP for Round 13 of its matching grant program, which improves communities by building partnerships between local government sustainability leaders and place-based foundations. National funders invest in local projects to promote a healthy environment, a strong economy, and well-being of all residents. The grant program will provide partnership investments between $25,000 and $75,000 for one year projects, or $50,000 and $150,000 for two year projects, with a 1:1 match required by one or more local foundations. Deadline: July 31. (
Link)

This Small-Scale Water Efficiency Project grant opportunity supports specific small-scale water efficiency projects that have been prioritized through planning efforts led by the applicant. These projects conserve and use water more efficiently; mitigate conflict risk in areas at a high risk of future water conflict; and accomplish other benefits that contribute to water supply reliability in the western United States. Deadline July 31, 2018. (
Link)

Apply now for Active Transportation Program grants up to $5 million

The California Transportation Commission is now accepting applications for Cycle 4 of the Active Transportation Program. Funded through the California Climate Investments, this grant program was created to help make it safer and easier for Californians to walk and bike in their communities. Grant applications of up to $5 million will be accepted until July 31. (
Link)

California Fire Safe Council will be re-opening the 2018 Fire Prevention Grants Program for $5.45 million in funding for fire prevention education, planning and hazardous fuels reduction projects. The 30-day extension will encourage applicants to utilize CAL FIRE's 2018 California Climate Investments Fire Prevention grants to meet the match requirement, but all eligible organizations are encouraged to apply. Application re-opened from August 1-30, 2018. (
Link)

4th National Adaptation Forum: Call for Proposals is Open!

Proposals are being accepted for Symposia, Training Sessions, Working Groups, Oral Presentations, Posters, and the Tools Cafe. Submissions should reflect the best thinking in the adaptation field, informed by theory, research and practice on subjects related to identified focal topics and cross-cutting themes. Deadline is August 3, 2018. (
Link)

Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program

This program provides grants to acquire and/or develop public lands for outdoor recreation purposes consistent with the purposes of the LWCF, but with the further specific goals of funding projects that are located within or serve jurisdictions delineated by the Census Bureau as urbanized areas, and are in or directly accessible to neighborhoods or communities that are underserved in terms of parks and recreation resources, and where there are significant populations of people who are economically disadvantaged. Deadline: September 14. (
Link)

Upcoming Events

APA Speaker Series: Planning in an Era of Increasing Uncertainty and Disruption

Friday, June 29, 8.30-10.30am

West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Avenue, West Sacramento

Is the planning profession prepared to respond effectively to rapidly advancing technology, changing environmental conditions, and ever-evolving social and demographic circumstances? State and local APA leaders will frame the challenges facing planners and our colleagues in affiliated professions.
(Link)

At the June meeting, the Cleaner Air Partnership will provide an update on its efforts to ensure that the Capital Region wins a proportionate share of state Cap & Trade funds for air quality-related projects. The coalition has been hard at work engaging the regional delegation in the State Capitol, and there is much to discuss. (
Register)

The tiny house movement is no longer a fad, but becoming an integral part of housing offerings and opportunities. Communities throughout the US are amending building and zoning codes to permit tiny houses in both tiny house villages and as accessory dwelling units. This seminar will discuss tiny houses as an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional housing and as a partial solution to California's housing crisis, changes in laws and building codes, regulatory issues, and more. Cost is $135, includes AIA LU/HSW credits. (
Register)

Webinar: Best Practices for Collaborative Climate Adaptation Research Between Tribal and Non-tribal partners

Tuesday, July 10, 11am-noon

This webinar will provide an introduction to key considerations and best practices associated with conducting climate adaptation research in partnership with tribal communities. Topics will include tribal sovereignty and government-to-government relations, the importance of community involvement and capacity-building, and the use and protection of indigenous knowledge. (
Link)

Public Workshop: Framework for Incorporating Health Analysis into the Climate Change Scoping Plan

Friday, July 13, 10am-12.30pm

Sierra Hearing Room, Cal/EPA Bldg, 1001 I Street, Sacramento

The California Air Resources Board, California Department of Public Health, and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment invite you to participate in a workshop on a framework for incorporating health analysis into California's Climate Change Scoping Plan. The workshop will provide information on health risk factors and major areas of concern regarding public health in California, and how this information was used to develop the framework. (
Link)

Sierra Nevada Alliance Conference: Regional Resilience

August 15-17, Kings Beach, CA

Attendees will collaborate and learn innovative ways to enhance the ecological resiliency of the Sierra. There are many opportunities and constraints that stand before us, but as a true alliance we can succeed. The Sierra Nevada Alliance is planning a progressive, provocative agenda, with many networking opportunities, and fun to be had throughout. (
Link)

Registration NOW OPEN for the 3rd California Adaptation Forum

August 27-29, 2018, Sacramento, CA

Join the Local Government Commission and the State of California at the 3rd California Adaptation Forum taking place
August 27-29, 2018, in Downtown Sacramento. The Forum gathers a multidisciplinary audience of 700+ climate leaders to foster knowledge exchange, innovation, and mutual support to transition from adaptation awareness to planning and action through a series of engaging plenaries, sessions, workshops, networking activities, and more. For information about the forum program, additional activities, and how to register TODAY, visit
CaliforniaAdaptationForum.org

About the Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative

The Capital Region Climate Readiness Collaborative is a membership based collaborative network designed to promote greater climate change resilience planning coordination in the six-county Sacramento Region. The purpose of this collaborative network is to create a forum where leaders from government, academia, environmental and community groups, the business community, and labor can come together to exchange information, identify vulnerabilities and data gaps, leverage resources, and advance comprehensive solutions in an effort to create stronger, sustainable, and economically viable communities in the Capital Region.